Barrie & District Christmas Cheer is launching its 2026 campaign nearly two months early to get a head start on fundraising and make sure it can help every eligible local family that needs support this Christmas.
The organization is now in its 52nd year of helping families in Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Springwater and Oro-Medonte.
Christmas Cheer says the early launch comes after it had to close applications ahead of schedule last year because of overwhelming demand.
This year, the organization has set a fundraising goal of $500,000.
“Last year, we saw firsthand just how great the need is in our community when we had to close applications earlier than expected,” said Sandra Yaquo, president of Barrie & District Christmas Cheer. “This year, we’re getting a jump start because we want every family who needs our help to have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas. With the incredible support of our community, we can make that happen.”
Christmas Cheer is asking people to donate early in the campaign. It says early donations help it plan ahead and shop early, while allowing it to provide more families with food, gifts and other support.
The organization says monetary donations are the most impactful way to give because it can stretch each dollar through established relationships with toy distributors and local grocers.
Donations can be made online at www.christmascheerbarrie.com.
The organization says it supports about 2,100 families across Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Oro-Medonte and surrounding areas each year.
Christmas Cheer has a fully volunteer-led board of directors and says more than 1,200 volunteers help out each year. Together, they pack toy bags and food hampers for more than 5,500 people in the community.
